Archive

  1. Thrive Summer BBQ

    On Thursday 2 August, Thrive welcomed around 80 guests, including Club Thrive members and other business people from Greater Manchester to Atlas House in Wigan for their first summer BBQ.

    The BBQ took place in the garden at Atlas House, making use of the green area. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the sunshine and the food.

    Ashurst Communications organised the event on behalf of Thrive, including the invitations and guest list. Catering was provided by Carrington’s who served delicious food and the marquee was hired from Aries Leisure.

    The BBQ was put on to make the most of the advantages that co-working provides- allowing people to network with others whose field of work aligns with their own and ‘pick their brains’ to allow a mutually beneficial connection.

    The feedback we gained was overwhelmingly positive:

    Emma Johnson, director of care at Elite Care North West said; “It was fantastic to meet new people and strengthen relationships with people who are already part of Thrive.”

    Chris Armstrong, director at Lowry Recruitment said; “The food was delicious and the chance to connect with new and interesting people is always welcome!”

    After such a success, we are looking forward to organising similar networking events in the future with Thrive.

    Atlas House has a growing community, with businesses making the most of the collaboration and the break-out spaces. It was clear to see from the BBQ that deals are being done and businesses are working together.

    25 businesses are now a part of Club Thrive, 14 of which are thriving at Atlas House.

     

     

     

     

     

     

  2. Digital agency HQ moves to York House, Manchester

    OBI has announced Manchester-based digital agency, Cantarus will be moving to a new office in Bruntwood’s York House building in Manchester. The company has taken the seventh floor (3,080 sq ft) of the building on at a rent of £26.00 per sq ft.

    OBI acted on behalf of Cantarus, who were previously located on King Street, Manchester. The team of 40 is on the move to larger, higher quality space at York House to help accommodate the expansion of the business.

    Lee Adams, managing director and co-founder, Cantarus said: “The business has achieved amazing things since being established 15 years ago and having secured several new client wins recently we needed larger offices for the fourth time in six years. Having engaged with OBI to aid our search, their knowledge of the city was invaluable and they quickly identified the perfect fit for us at York House. It offered us outstanding quality, fitted-out office space and we knew immediately that it was the right space for us.”

    Josh Hancock, surveyor, Bruntwood said: “I am delighted to welcome Cantarus into York House. The creative and digital sectors in Manchester have grown exponentially over recent years and we look forward to supporting more innovative businesses to expand in the city.”

    Richard Lace transactions and asset management, OBI Property said: “Cantarus had been looking for an opportunity to move from serviced to more conventional workspace. Being able to identify a fully fitted out option for them in York House allowed them to carry out their relocation cost-effectively and we were delighted to act on their behalf.”

    This news story was featured in; Insider Media and TheBusinessDesk

  3. Fitness start-up signs at 55 Princess Street, Manchester

    OBI has announced fitness start-up, P1 GYM is to open its first facility on the ground floor of 55 Princess Street, Manchester M2 4EW. The company has taken 3,461 sq ft a 10-year lease with a break at year five.

    Former Manchester City footballer Peter Varga has established P1 GYM having worked in personal training and fitness for nearly ten years. Peter will focus on providing an exemplary customer experience driven by friendly staff and the state of the art facility.

    Peter said: “I have long thought gyms could and should do better in terms of customer experience and the space at 55 Princess Street provides me with a fantastic platform to do just that.

    “I am thrilled to start the P1 GYM journey in the heart of Manchester City Centre and we look forward encouraging individuals to adapt to a healthier lifestyle and ultimately improve their quality of life. With major businesses, hotels and St Peter’s Square in close proximity to us, we have a great opportunity to create something special here.”

    55 Princess Street is owned by Aberdeen Standard Investments and OBI is joint leasing agent with JLL.

    Richard Lace, transactions and asset management, OBI said: “It’s great to welcome P1 GYM to 55 Princess Street and it’s a good sign of the popularity of the building. Later this year we will refurbish the 4th floor (8,746 sq ft) to provide Grade A space and we’re looking at creating some smaller suite options on the 3rd floor.”

    The news about the new gym was published on TheBusinessDesk. 

  4. Digital medical education specialists move to Booths Park, Knutsford

    OBI announced online medical education specialist Pastest has acquired 3,495 sq ft on the first floor of Building 3, Booth’s Park at Knutsford on an a ten year lease.

    Pastest provides revision materials to medical students and doctors. It uses its network of leading medical lecturers, professors and specialist doctors to ensure its materials and revision questions are of the highest quality.

    The move comes as Pastest is experiencing buoyant growth as it enters new global markets including the United States. The new office space will not only provide a great environment for current staff but will also help to attract new talent in the future.

    The relocation to Booths Park is the latest step in a journey of innovation that started in 1972 when Pastest founder Freydis Campbell published one of the first medical test prep books in the UK from her kitchen table in Hemel Hempstead.

    Pastest has ever since been at the forefront of medical test preparation, undergoing a major digital transformation in 2005. Today Pastest delivers high quality and innovative online test prep resources which help medical students and doctors in 190 countries succeed in high stakes exams.

    Philip Curzon, CEO, Pastest said: “This is a very exciting time for all at Pastest. Our goal was to create an inspiring environment that helps maximise performance and productivity while encouraging collaboration to drive new ideas. The new open-plan office at Booths Park will help foster the positive and innovative culture vital for our success at the cutting-edge of medical test prep and EdTech.  OBI’s work place consultancy team helped plan out and design our space and project managed our move like clockwork.”

    OBI represented Pastest on the deal and Bruntwood represented themselves.

    Andrew Cowell, transactions and asset management, OBI said: “Booths Park is a great location for a business like Pastest. The quality of the workspace and surrounding countryside will mean this is a great place to work for Pastest staff. It’s been great working with Pastest and we know they are really excited to be moving to Booths Park.”

    Sharon Johnson, head of regional sales, Bruntwood said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Pastest to Booths Park and hope they and their staff enjoy the quality of the space and amenities we have provided.”

    Booths Park is set in 220 acres of Cheshire countryside and offers a selection of refurbished Grade A specification commercial spaces.  On-site amenities also include a Philpotts cafe, cricket club, running trails, landscaped gardens, wellness classes, customer community events and lots of parking.

    This news story was published in TheBusinessDesk and Insider Media

  5. Factory Youth Zone becomes Manchester Youth Zone

    The Factory Youth Zone announced it is moving on to its next chapter as it becomes the Manchester Youth Zone.

    After six action-packed years as ‘The Factory’ it was decided it was time for a change.  After discussing it with their young people, receiving lots of creative names such as Cat Basket Cheeseburger and the Unicorn Station brought to the table, it was decided by all, nothing summed up the iconic yellow building standing on Rochdale Road, better than Manchester Youth Zone.

    Richard Marsh, CEO, Manchester Youth Zone said: “A big part of the rebrand is to do with how young people, particularly in North Manchester, feel isolated from the city as it continues to grow. When asked where they are from, the young people reply with the likes of Harpurhey and do not associate with being from Manchester – despite being only three miles away from the Manchester Arena – and having access to the opportunities available in the city.

    “By rebranding to the ‘Manchester Youth Zone’, we hope it will make young people see they are a part of the city and help to raise their aspirations, inspiring them to get involved. Simultaneously, we hope that it will also encourage the city to embrace Harpurhey and the rest of North Manchester, and continue to support the work we are doing with our young people, investing in their futures and inspiring a generation.”

    The design of the rebrand was completed by Clear Marketing.  The company owner Jim Smith is on the board and development committee of the Manchester Youth Zone.

    Manchester Youth Zone, located on Rochdale Road, Manchester provides a unique safe place for young people aged from 6 – 19, up to 25 with additional needs, from across Manchester. With a wealth of sport and creative activities, MYZ currently welcomes almost 1,000 young people each week and it works to raise its members aspirations and equip them with the tools to increase their confidence, build positive relationships and add something back to their own community.